Are Glass Cabinet Doors A Beautiful Kitchen Addition Or A Pain In The Neck?

Which is more important — beauty or function? When it comes to the heart of your home, aka the kitchen, you shouldn't have to compromise, especially with a main feature like cabinetry. Glass cabinet doors are an element that provide both beauty and function to the room. Although we can all agree they are stylish, there is more to glass cabinet doors than what meets the eye. They have several design and room-enhancing benefits that can add value to your space, but they do require more upkeep and money for you to enjoy these advantages.

Glass cabinet doors are a great option for those who want a stunning design that won't go out of style. However, considering there are plenty of other types of beautiful cabinetry, it may not be worth it if you factor in the price and upkeep. There are several pros and cons to weigh so you can choose the right kitchen cabinet style for your space.

Glass cabinet doors are stellar from a design point of view. They are a timeless kitchen cabinet upgrade you can't go wrong with. The style complements any interior design aesthetic, from farmhouse to modern. Regardless of whether it's just a few cupboards with windows or the entire cabinetry, glass doors add depth to your kitchen's design. They break up the uniformed look of solid fronts and introduce eye-catching details. You can even further embellish the storage case by lining the inside with wallpaper or paint.

They add not only stylistic depth but also visual depth. The glass window creates more for your eyes to see, which makes the room feel larger. You can double down on the illusion with ceiling-high glass cabinets, as the extra height also makes compact kitchens feel more spacious. The room might seem like it's shining too. Because light reflects off the panels, glass cabinet doors make the room appear brighter. Adding bulbs inside the cabinets plays off this effect and enhances the room. 

Further, glass cabinet doors are a functional element in the room. The window improves visibility so you know exactly what's inside. This can make things more accessible. But while glass cabinet doors amplify your kitchen, it will take constant maintenance to keep it that way.

While glass cabinet doors reflect light to brighten the room, that feature also highlights mess. Imagine finger smudges, dirt, and grease always on display. You'll have to constantly clean the glass fronts to keep the dirt at bay. Plus, you can't get away with clutter inside your cabinets either. An overload of dishes can make your kitchen look messy, even when everything is put away. Frosted glass is a great alternative if you don't have display-worthy dishes. You'll still get the elegant look of glass and reflected light, but your mismatched plates get privacy.

Another thing to consider is the glass doors' high price. More will come out of your pocket for glass doors than standard wood cabinets. Glass cabinet doors average $150 to $300 per door, while regular doors range from only $30 to $180. And that doesn't include installation. Further, you'll want to splurge on high-end glass. Cheaper or low-quality glass has a greater chance of cracking and discoloration over time. Before you know it, you might need to replace it or search for ways to spruce up your glass kitchen cabinets. If you don't mind the cost and needing to keep window cleaner within arm's reach, then these timeless cabinet doors can be a worthwhile investment.